I 


JUf^f'i£i 


i^^B 


I^^^B 


HIJ^TORY 


FIRST  CHTTRCH  AND  SOCIETY  IN  RAYNHAM. 


HISTORY 


OF  THE 


FIRST   CHURCH    A]¥D    SOCIETIT 


IN  RAYNHAM, 


IN  TWO  DISCOURSES,  DELIVERED  JAN.  1,  18S2. 


BEFNG    LITTLE    MO&E    THAN    A    CENTURT 


SINCE    THE    CHURCH   WAS    CONSTITUTED. 


BY  ENOCH   SANFORD, 

I* 

FASTOR  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


TAUNTON: 

EDMUND  ANTHONY — OFFICE   OF  INDEPENDFNT  GAZETTE. 

1833. 


LOAN  STACK 


\23Z 


CI£RI!IOIV    I. 


PSALM  78:  5. 

For  he  established  a  testimony  in  jacob  and  appointed  a 
law  in  israel,  which  he  commanded  our  fathers  that  they 
should  make  them  known  to  their  children. 

As  it  is  our  duty  to  maintain  the  institutions  of  religion  not 
only  for  our  own  sakes  but  the  benefit  of  posterity,  we  may  re- 
ceive a  powerful  motive  to  this  duty  by  often  considering  at  what 
expense  and  with  what  zeal  these  sacred  institutions  were 
maintained  by  our  fathers. 

It  is  the  business  of  history  to  record  the  important  events  of 
an  age  for  the  instruction  of  succeeding  ages.  The  wisdom  and 
faithfulness  of  our  fathers  whose  praise  is  in  the  churches,  should 
not  be  forgotten  by  us  who  share  so  richly  the  fruits  of  their 
toils. 

One  hxindred  years  since  this  town  was  iiicorporated,were  com- 
pleted the  5th,or  by  the  new  style  the  16th  of  last  April.  (A)  And 
it  was  a  hundred  years  the  19th,  that  is,  by  the  present  style,  the 
80th  of  last  October  since  the  church  connected  with  this  socie- 
ty was  organized.  I  have  hence  thought  it  proper  to  begin  this 
new  year  by  reviewing  the  history  of  the  town  and  also  of  the 
church.  Such  a  history,  embracing  the  general  and  more  im- 
portant events  of  the  century  now  closed,  may  be  interesting 
and  doubtless  may  be  made  profitable  to  us  and  our  children. 

No  one  is  now  living  of  the  first  members  of  the  church  or  of 
the  town : — all  have  many  years  since  slept  with  their  fathers. 
What  remains  of  them  is  to  be  obtained  only  from  public  records 
and  undoubted  tradition. 

This  tract  of  country  in  which  we  now  see  so  many  busy  and 
prosperous  people, was  not  visited  by  civilized  man  till  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1621.     During  numerous  ages  the  river  had  rolled  it» 


waters; — ^the towering  forest  had  waved,  and  spread  around  an 
almost  unbroken  wilderness  which  never  echoed  to  the  sound  of 
the  mill,  or  the  axe  of  the  woodman,  but  all  was  possessed  as 
the  indisputed  domain  of  the  wild  beast  and  the  untutored  sav- 
age. The  sun  and  the  golden  seasons,  which  in  other  climes 
had  caused  the  fields  to  wave  with  abundant  harvests,  had  here 
rolled,  for  centuries,  over  a  virgin  soil.  The  whole  country 
seemed  a  wild  vacuum  waiting  to  be  filled  with  the  labors  of  in- 
dustry, the  achievements  of  the  arts,  and  the  blessings  of  rehg- 
ion.  But  all  this  waste  as  to  natural  advantages  was  nothing 
compared  with  the  waste  of  intellect.  No  traces  were  to  be 
found  that  the  Indian  tribes  during  the  many  centuries  they  had 
possessed  New  England,  had  made  any  advance  toward  civiliza- 
tion, or  any  of  the  useful  arts.  Though  naturally  endowed  with 
intellects  equal  to  that  of  the  white  man,  their  fondness  for  sav- 
age life  seemed  invincible. 

In  July  1621,  Edward  Winslow  and  Stephen  Hopkins  were 
sent  by  the  Governor  of  Plymouth  to  explore  this  part  of  the 
country,  to  visit  Massasoit  the  king  of  the  Wampannoags  who 
resided  principally  at  what  is  now  called  Bristol,  to  assertain 
their  strength,  and  open  trade  with  them.  Having  passed  Mid- 
dleborough,  then  an  Indian  town  called  Namasket,  they  arrived 
at  Titicut,  where  they  exchanged  hospitable  offices  with  the  na^ 
tives,  whom  they  found  fishing.  There  they  lodged  one  night 
in  the  open  fields,  the  banks  of  the  river  on  both  sides  being 
cleared  and  adapted  to  cultivation. 

These  embassadors  then  proceeded  six  miles  down  the  river* 
on  the  south  side  to  a  fording  place  near  King's  bridge,  or  the 
New  Forge,  When  preparing  to  cross  the  river,  they  were 
opposed  by  two  aged  Indians  on  the  opposite  bank,  who  were 
the  only  individuals  in  this  whole  region  that  had  survived  the 
pestilence  which  two  years  before  had  nearly  depopulated  this 
section  of  the  country.  These  two  Indians,  however,  being  as- 
sured that  Winslow  and  Hopkins,  with  their  Indian  guides, 
were  come  in  a  friendly  »ianner,  no  longer  opposed  their  pas- 
sage, but  received  them  with  kindness.  These  then  were  the 
first  Englishmen  who  set  foot  on  the  soil  of  Raynham.  Here 
they  ascertained  the  ebb  and  flow  of  the  tide.  The  weather  be- 
ing extremely  warm,  they  quenched  their  thirst  with  the  clear 
water  of  the  springs  which  were  numerous.  Their  Indian  com-r 
panions  showed  them  much  attention,  carried  them  across  the 
small  streams  on  their  backs,  and  assisted  ia  transporting  their 
t)aggage. 


In  passing  along  tlie  southern  border  of  this  town  by  the  river, 
they  discovered  many  places  vi^hich  had  once  been  inhabited  by 
Indians.  The  ground  near  the  river  was  cleared,  but  all  around 
were  signs  of  the  ravages  of  the  plague,  which  a  little  before  had 
swept  away  the  red  inhabitants.  The  soil  was  rich  and  luxuri- 
ant, but  silence  and  desolation  pervaded  the  deserted  region, 
which  farther  than  the  eye  could  reach  was  covered  with  huge 
forests  of  oak,  walnut,  beach,  and  gigantic  chesnuts.* 

Taunton,  which  at  first  included  Rayuham  and  five  other 
neighboring  towns,  began  to  be  settled  in  the  year  163S-9,  by 
emigrants  principally  from  Taunton  in  England.  The  lands  of 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Pool  one  of  the  chief  proprietors,  were  specially 
laid  out  by  order  of  the  Colonial  Government  at  Plymouth  in 
May  1639.  She  and  other  proprietors  purchased  their  lands  of 
the  Indians. 

In  1675,  the  proprietors  set  forth  a  declaration  of  their  right- 
ful possessions  with  the  following  preamble.  '^  Whereas  by 
the  providence  of  God  in  the  year  1638  and  the  year  1639,  it 
pleased  God  to  bring  the  most  part  of  the  first  purchasers  of 
"Taunton  over  the  great  ocean,  into  this  wilderness  from  our 
4ear  and  native  land,  and  after  some  small  time  here,  we  found 
this  place,  called  by  the  natives  of  the  land  Cohannet,  in  the 
Colony  of  New  Plymouth;  and  of  the  Court  of  said  Colony  we 
vobtained  grants  of  tracts  of  land  fdr  a  plantation  or  township, 
as  by  the  records  of  said  Court,  it  may  and  doth  appear,  and 
then  we  also  made  purchase  and  bought  the  said  tracts  of  land, 
for  our  money,  of  the  right  proprietors  and  owners,  the  Indian 
sachem  or  prince  of  this  part  of  the  country,  as  by  deed  under 
>their  hands  it  may  appear ;  and  in  honor  and  love  to  our  dear 
and  native  country,  we  called  this  place  Taunton,  and  owing  it 
a  great  mercy  of  God  to  bring  us  to  this  place,  and  setting  us 
on  lands  of  our  own,  bought  with  our  money  in  peace,  in  the 
midsts  of  the  heathen  for  a  possesion  for  ourselves  and  for  our 
.posterity  after  us." 

Settlements  began  to  be  made  in  what  is  now  Raynham  as 
early  as  1652.  Then  it  was  that  James  Leonard,  Henry  Leon- 
ard, and  Ralph  Russel,  who  came  from  Pontipod  in  Wales  and 
settled  first  in  Braintree,  came  here  and  erected  extensive  iron 
works  on  Two  Mile  River  which  were  the  first  Iron  works 
erected  in  North  America.  (B) 

During  the  Indian  war  in  1675  which  spread  terror  and  des- 

« 
*  Seid  Baylies'  Memoir  of  Plymouth  Colony,  Vol.  1. 


olatioii  through  many  of  the  towns  of  Plymouth  and  Massachu- 
setts Colony,  the  inhabitants  of  Taunton  and  this  place  were 
mercifully  preserved  from  savage  invasion.  Philip  the  great 
instigator  of  the  whole  war,  who,  by  combining  the  Indian  for- 
ces, had  laid  a  plan  for  exterminating  every  English  family  was 
particularly  friendly  to  the  people  of  Taunton  who  had  often 
shown  him  favor.  He  had  often  made  Raynham  his  summer  re- 
treat. He  therefore  designed,  it  is  said,  to  have  destroyed  all 
the  other  settlements  in  Plym  Duth  colony,  before  he  attacked 
this,  and  gave  strict  orders  to  his  Indians  to  this  effect.  Fre-- 
quent  massacres  of  the  white  people  and  the  burning  of  their 
houses  were  occuring  in  the  neighboring  towns.  But  here, 
though  one  house  was  garisoned, to  which  some  of  the  inhabitants 
resorted,  the  dread  chief  who  was  properly  called  "  terror  of 
New  England"   never  inflicted  his  ravages.  (C) 

These  deliverances  from  savage  invasion,  which  threatened 
and  well  nigh  accomplished  the  extermination  of  the  English 
settlement  in  this  Colony,deserves  to  be  remembered  among  the 
signal  interpositions  of  Divine  Providence  in  behalf  of  this  coun-' 
try.  (D) 

We  perceive  from  these  sketches  what  was  the  character  of* 
those  who  first  levelled  the  forests  and  tilled  the  soil  in  the  places 
which  we  now  occupy.  Their  object  was  enterprising  and  no- 
ble : — it  was  to  maintain  th^truths  and  institutions  of  the  chris- 
tian religion.  In  pursuing  this  object,  they  could  submit  to 
hardships  with  fortitude,  and  were  sustained  by  an  unwavering 
reliance  on  Divine  Providence.  Their  bodily  strength  was  un- 
impaired by  the  poison  of  intoxicating  liquor,  for  it  was  not  used 
by  them.  A  plain  diet  and  unwearied  industry,  gave  vigor  to 
their  animal  spirits,  and  left  their  minds  free  for  religious  con- 
templation. 

This  town,  when  it  was  set  off  from  Taunton  into  a  distinct 
township  by  the  General  Court,  was  said  to  be  ^'  competently 
filled  with  inhabitants,"  though  it  contained  then  only  about 
thirty  families.  Abraham  Jones  was  a  principal  advocate  for 
the  separation,  his  name  appearing  first  on  the  petition  for  that 
purpose.  It  does  not  appear,  that  party  spirit,  or  any  differ- 
ence as  to  political  or  religious  views  produced  this  separation. 
But  it  arose  principally  from  the  local  situation  of  the  people. 
At  that  time  parish  and  town  limits  were  generally  the  same ; 
and  as  most  of  the  inhabitants  here  were  too  far  from  the  meet- 
ing house  in  Taunton  Village,  to  be  able  to  attend  public  wor- 
ship there  conveniently,   it  was  natural  that  their  desire  to  be 


formed  into  a  separate  parish,  should  dispose  them  to  be  set  off 
into  a  separate  town. 

Few  as  were  the  inhabitants  here,  they  thought  themselves 
able  to  support  the  ministry  of  the  gospel.  This  in  their  view 
was  a  great  object  to  be  secured ;  and  the  General  Court  incor- 
porated them  into  a  town  with  this  proviso,  *'  that  the  inhabi- 
tants of  said  town  of  Raynham,  do  within  the  space  of  three  years, 
from  the  publication  of  this  act  procure  and  settle  a  learned 
and  orthodox  minister  of  good  conversation,  and  make  provision 
for  his  comfortable  and  honorable  support ;  and  likewise  pro- 
vide a  school  master  to  instruct  their  youth  to  read  and  write." 

Anticipating  the  duty  or  rather  the  priviledge  of  supporting 
public  worship,  they  had  erected  a  meeting  house  two  or  three 
years  before  the  town  was  incorporated,  though  it  was  not  en- 
tirely finished.  The  first  town  meeting  for  the  choice  of  a  board 
of  selectmen  and  other  town  officers,  was  on  the  22d  of  April 
17S1.  On  the  tenth  of  May  following  they  assembled  in  town, 
or  which  is  the  same  thing,  in  parish  meeting,  and  voted  to  pay 
all  the  expences  which  individuals  had  incurred  in  building  tho 
meeting  house  thus  far,  by  levying  a  tax.  At  the  same  meeting 
they  made  choice  of  Mr.  John  Wales  as  their  minister,  who  had 
been  preaching  to  them  about  one  year  commencing  March  16 
1729.  They  voted  him  his  stated  salary,*  and  voted  also 
to  finish  the  inside  of  the  meeting  house,  by  plastering  it,  erect- 
ing pews  and  laying  the  gallery  floors. 

Undertaking  all  these  expences,  would  be  considered,  at  this 
day,  a  heavy  burden  for  so  small  a  number  of  people.  Their 
number  was  not  only  small,  but  many  of  them  doubtless  were  in 
very  limited  circumstances.  But  they  knew  that  the  way  to 
honorable  prosperity,  is  to  maintain  virtue,  and  generously  sup- 
port an  enhghtened  and  pious  ministry. 

Mr.  Wales  accepted  the  call  of  the  town  to  be  their  minister, 
and  was  ordained  on  the  20th  of  October  1731.  The  church 
was  organized  only  the  day  before  the  ordination,  and  consist- 
ed of  fifteen  males  and  seventeen  females  who  were  dismissed 
from  the  first  church  in  Taunton.  It  is  probable  that  the 
same  council  who  ordained  Mr.  Wales  organized  the  church. 
Their  not   being  organized  sooner,  accounts  for  their  voting  in 

*  His  salary  at  first  was  £100  per  annum,  old  tenor:  and  he  received 
£200  settlement.  His  yearly  income  was  afterwards  increased  to  £400, 
old  tenor,  which  was  £53  6s.  8d.  lawful  money,  or  $178  77,  and  was  a 
more  ample  income,  other  things  being  equal,  than  most  ministers  re- 
ceive now. 


I 


connection  with  the  society  in  the  call  of  their  pastor.  It  was 
the  ahnost  universal  practice  of  that  day,  as  it  ever  should  be» 
for  the  church  themselves  to  choose  their  own  pastor.  They  nev- 
er should  suffer  a  pastor  to  be  imposed  on  them  against  their 
choice,  by  the  society  with  whom  they  are  connected.  The  soci- 
ety, it  is  true,  have  their  right  of  choice,  and  should  exercise  it ; 
and  when  the  church  and  society,  voting  in  distinct  bodies,  choose 
the  same  person,  he  should  be  established  as  their  minister* 
This  course  of  proceedure  in  the  choice  of  a  pastor  has  been 
found  the  most  adapted  to  promote  harmony  and  mutual  profit 
in  our  churches  and  societies,  as  iheyare  connected  in  the  sup- 
port of  the  ministry. 

Mr.  Wales  having  served  in  the  gospel  ministry  34  years,  died 
Feb.  23,  1765,  in  the  6Gth  year  of  his  age.  He  was  blessed  with 
talents  which  rendered  him  very  amiable  and  entertaining  in  so- 
cial life.  In  public  prayer  his  performances  were  eminent,  and 
on  some  occasions  almost  unequalled.  In  his  preaching  he  was 
faithful,  and  exhibited  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  in  a  plain  and 
affecting  manner.  In  his  answer  to  the  unanimous  call  of  the 
people  to  settle  among  them,  he  says  "  I  rejoice  to  see  you  thus 
united  for  the  settlement  of  the  gospel  amongst  you,and  can  do  no 
less  than  with  gpatitude  acknowledge  the  respect  that  you  have 
shown  to  me  in  giving  me  the  offer  of  settling  with  you  ;  but  as 
the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  is  hard  and  difficult,  so  I  dare 
not  rush  myself  into  that  office  with  precipitation,  but  have,  as  I 
hope,  sincerely  laid  the  case  before  God  by  prayer  and  earnest- 
ly  sought  direction  from  him  ; — further  I  have  taken  the  advice 
of  sundry  of  my  fathers  in  the  ministry ; — and  therefore  looking 
upon  the  call  to  come  from  heaven,  as  well  as  from  man,  I  dare 
not  refuse  it,  but  accept  it — earnestly  asking  your  prayeris  to 
God  for  me  that  I  may  so  faithfully  acquit  myself  in  the  office  of 
a  gospel  minister,  as  to  save  my  own  soul  and  those  whom  God 
shall  commit  to  my  watch  and  care."  It  was  with  these  devottt 
sentiments  that  he  entered  on  his  responsible  work.  That  wis* 
dom,  and  direction  which  he  sought  from  above  were  bestowed 
upon  him  ;  for  his  labors  were  not  in  vain.  Prosperity  attended 
him  not  only  in  his  public  ministry,  but,  in  the  education  of  hi» 
family,  two  particular  blessings  which  are  very  likely  to  be  en- 
joyed in  connection  by  the  faithful  minister.  His  son  the  late 
Dr.  Samuel  Wales  was  professor  of  Divinity  in  Yale  College ^ 
His  daughter  was  the  wife  of  his  successor  in  the  ministry  in 
this  pl«ce. 

During  Mr.  Wales  ministry  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  w*te 


I 


but  very  little  controverted  in  this  country.  Differences  of  re- 
ligious opinions  which  now  set  altar  against  altar  and  temple 
against  temple,  bad  not  then  arisen.  But  this  state  of  things 
was  like  a  dead  calm  in  the  natural  world,  and  like  that  gave 
opportunity  for  the  gathering  of  principles  and  substances,  quite 
incongenial  with  vigorous  health.  The  people' indeed,  accord- 
ing to  the  most  excellent  practice  of  that  age,  remembered  the 
sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy,  and  with  great  pains  and  punc- 
tuality attended  public  worship;  yet  there  was  arising  in  the 
churches  a  disposition  to  make  religion  consist  too  much  in  for- 
mality and  outward  observances. 

It  was  under  this  mistaken  view  of  religion  that  this  church  as 
did  most  churches  in  New  England,  early  began  to  practice  on 
what  was  calle^  the  half-way-covenant.  This, as  the  term  shows, 
was  adopting  halfway  measures,  which  in  religion  as  in  other 
things,  are  ever  found  to  be  worse  than  none.  In  the  course  of 
twenty  two  years,  35  persons  were  admitted  to  this  church  in, 
this  way;  that  is,  by  professing  their  belief  in  the  doctrines  of 
the  gospel,  and  receiving  baptism,  though  they  did  not  profess 
to  have  experienced  regeneration;  and  in  consequence  of  this 
they  were  excused  from  partaking  of  the  Lords  Supper.  They 
were  also  entitled  to  the  privilege  ^  offering  their  children  in 
baptism.  This  practice  began  to  be  adopted  in  the  churches  of 
New  England  thrgugh  the  recommendation  of  a  council  compos- 
ed of  delegates  from  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts,  which 
met  in  Boston  in  Juue  1657,  and  more  especially  by  the  recom- 
mendation of  a  Massachusetts  council  which  assembled  in  1662. 
The  practice  was  slow  in  its  beginning.  It  originated  in  part,  in 
the  unreasonable  and  strange  rule  early  adopted  by  our  fathers, 
that  none  should  be  admitted  to  the  privilege  of  freemen  or  be 
eligible  to  office  who  were  not  church  members.  Many  doubt- 
less sought  to  bo  nominal  church  members  for  the  sake  of  the 
honors  and  privileges  it  confered.  But  though  this  practice 
at  first  was  adopted  with  diffiulty,  it  was  with  as  much  difficul- 
ty laid  aside,  when  it  had  prevailed  for  an  hundred  years,  and 
was  found  to  be  unscriptural,  and  to  have  a  tendency  to  destroy 
the  very  existence  of  the  churches. — It  began  to  be  laid  aside  in 
this  church  in  1760,  and  the  scriptural  rule  of  the  Puritans  was 
restored ;  that  they  only  be  received  as  members  of  the  church, 
who  give  credible  evidence  of  piety,  or  regeneration. 

During  Rev.  Mr.  Wales'  ministry,  350  infants  and  adult  per- 
sons were  baptized  in  this  church,  and  126  persons  were  ad- 
mitted to  full  communion.     Professing  christians  who  had  fam- 


10 

jlies,  almost  universally  practiced  family  prayer;  instructed  theJt' 
children  in  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  the  gospel,  and  taught 
them  the  obligations  of  the  sabbath  and  of  public  worship. 

It  was  therefore  in  the  belief  and  practice,  and  under  the 
preaching  of  evangelical  doctrines,  that  this  church  was  gather- 
ed, and  nurtured;  the  same  religious  doctrines  and  truths  which 
gave  origin  to  the  civil  institutions,  the  religious  freedom,  the 
republican  government,  and  eventually  the  independence  of  our 
country.  The  constitution  and  best  laws  of  our  Commonwealth 
were  framed  by  men  educated  in  these  peculiar  sentiments. — 
They  were  true  sons  of  the  Puritans,  respecting  whom  the  his- 
torian Hume  declares,  though  an  enemy  to  them,  that  they  were 
the  only  people  in  England  who  possessed  the  true  principles  of 
liberty. 

The  influence  of  those  divine  truths  in  which  this  church  was 
established  was  not  transient.  In  about  two  years  after  the 
death  of  Mr  Wales,  July  29,  1766,  the  church  chose  Mr.  Peres 
Fobes  as  their  pastor.  On  the  18th  of  August  following,  the 
town  concurred  in  this  call,  and  voted  him  his  stated  salary.* 
He  graduated  at  Cambridge  College  1762,  and  was  ordained 
over  this  church  and  society  Nov.  19, 1766.  (E)  In  speaking  of 
him  some  who  hear  me  willbe  able  from  their  own  remembrance 
to  bear  witness  to  his  virtues.  But  as  it  is  19  years  the  23d  of 
last  February  since  his  decease,  a  great  part  of  this  audience 
probably  never  saw  him,  so  rapidly  da  the  generations  of  maa 
arise  and  pass  away. 

Though  of  feeble  health,  he  was  exceedingly  diligent  in  the 
acquisition  of  knowledge.  As  he  had  a  peculiar  taste  for  scien- 
tific pursuits,  he  greatly  excelled  in  deducing  facts  from  the  nat- 
ural world  to  illustrate  moral  and  religious  truth,  thus  evincing 
that  the  God  of  revelation  is  the  God  of  nature.  Plis  was  the 
happy  talent  of  communicating  the  fruits  of  his  literary  re- 
Bearches  and  acquirements  in  a  familiar  manner  and  without 
any  parade  of  learning. 

During  the  revolution  such  was  his  patriotic  spirit,  that  not- 
withstanding his  natural  feebleness  of  constitution,  he  volun- 
teered as  a  chaplain  in  the  American  army.  In  1786,  he  offic- 
iated as  President  in  Brown  University,  during  the  absence  of 
President  Manning.  The  next  year  he  was  chosen  Professor 
of  experimental  philosophy  in  that  Institution.  He  rendered 
very  important  services  to  the  University, — was  chosen  to  its 
fellowship  in  1787,  and  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws 

His  salary  at  first  was  £78, — $'260,  which  was  increased  afterwards 
as  the  price  of  labor  and  provisions  increased. 


n 

in  1792.  The  advancement  of  education  employed  much  of 
his  time  and  efforts.  It  has  been  said,  and  I  doubt  not  but  tru- 
Jj,  "  that  the  schools  in  this  town  under  his  patronage  and  in- 
aspection,  were  for  many  years  an  example  for  the  country,  and 
bear  an  honorable  testimony  to  the  public  of  the  vast  impor- 
tance of  a  learned  clergy  to  our  country."  He  instructed  a 
large  number  of  youth  in  their  preparatory  studies  for  college, 
and  many  candidates  for  the  ministry  pursued,  under  his  in- 
spection and  at  his  house,  the  study  of  Theology. 

But  Dr.  Fobes,  as  many  now  living  can  testify,  excelled  as  a 
preacher.  lie  often  preached  unwritten  sermons,  but  they  were 
not  unstudied  or  unmethodical.  His  biographer  says  of  him, 
that  "Founded  on  Christ  and  his  Apostles,  so  happily  did  he 
blend  in  his  creed  the  excellences  of  Calvin  and  Arminius,  that 
he  seemed  a  friend  to  both :  though  an  acute  metaphysician 
and  theologian,  yet  knowing  the  gospel  designed  for  all,  plain 
and  practical  discourses  were  His  chief  aim." 

In  the  course  of  his  ministry,  he  published  several  sermons. 
One  was  an  address  to  young  persons  on  the  importance  of 
early  piety.  One  was  on  the  subject  of  the  Divine  and  human 
agency  being  united  in  effecting  the  sinner's  salvation.  One 
was  preached  at  Taunton  at  the  execution  of  John  Dixon  who 
was  the  only  white  person  ever  executed  in  this  county.  An- 
other was  a  Funeral  Sermon  at  the  death  of  Dr.  Manning.  He 
published  a  sermon  also  on  the  wise  appointment  and  happy 
consequences  of  death  to  the  righteous  ;  and  another  preached 
at  Marshfield  at  the  ordination  of  his  son-in-law.  Rev.  Elijah 
Leonard,  in  which  he  shows  what  are  the  principal  doctrines 
which  a  minister  should  preach.  He  there  says,  (page  13.) 
that,  "the  Divinity  of  Christ,  the  Deity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  the 
doctrine  of  the  Trinity  and  of  human  depravity,  are  doctrines  so 
€vidently  taught  in  the  scriptures,'that  the  christian  minister  will 
not  fail  to  teach  them."  Hence  he  says,  page  15th,  ♦'  we  can 
understand  the  nature  and  necessity  of  the  atonement,  the  ne- 
cessity of  regeneration,  of  justification  by  Christ,  sanctification 
by  the  Spirit,  and  salvation  by  grace."  Some  have  insinuated 
that  these  were  not  his  leading  sentiments  in  the  last  years  of 
his  life,  but  that  there  was  a  change  in  his  views  of  religious  doc- 
trines. I  have  conversed  with  a  number  who  were  among  his 
constant  and  most  attentive  hearers,  and  their  testimony  is,  that 
the  doctrines  in  the  sermon  above  referred  to,  were  among  the 
principal  themes  of  his  preaching  while  he  lived.  He  preached 
several  other  ordination   sermons  which  were  published.     He 


12 

published  a  scriptual  catechism  after  the  manner  of  one  by  Dr. 
Watts,  in  which  the  answers  were  mostly  in  the  language  of 
scripture.  It  had  been  his  practice,  as  Sabbath  shools  Avere  not 
then  instituted,  to  instruct  the  children  from  the  Westminister 
Assembly's  catechism,  which  received  his  recommendation  with 
that  of  many  other  eminent  divines. 

Such  was  his  ministry  and  such  his  sentiments.  And  as  he 
was  deservedly  beloved  by  the  people  to  whom  he  ministered,  it 
is  easy  to  infer  what  were  their  sentiments  also.  It  cannot  be 
doubted  that  the  religious  sentiments  of  this  church,  as  a  body, 
have  ever  been  in  agreement  with  the  prevailing  sentiments  of 
the  New-England  churches. 

"  Feb.  24,  1767.  The  church  met  and  voted  to  receive  the 
Cambridge  Platform  as  their  standard  and  rule  of  church  gov- 
ernment, except  the  articles  of  Ruling  Elders,  Teacher  sepa- 
rate from  a  pastor  and  lay  ordination,  and  not  to  reject  these 
absolutely  as  unscriptural,  but  only  suspend  our  assent  to  them 
till  we  better  see  their  divine  authority."  This  platform  of 
church  government  was  drawn  up  by  a  synod  or  council  of 
ministers  and  delegates  of  the  churches  assembled  in  Cam- 
bridge in  1648.  They  designed  it  as  a  supplement  to  the  As- 
sembly's Catechism,  as  may  be  inferred  from  several  passages 
in  the  preface, — *'  having  perused  the  public  confession  of  faith 
agreed  upon  by  the  reverend  assembly  of  divines  at  Westmin- 
ster, and  finding  the  sum  and  substance  thereof  in  matters  of 
doctrines  to  express  not  their  own  judgment  only,  but  ours 
also ;" — they  then  except  some  sections  in  that  confession  res- 
pecting church  discipline,  and  add,  "  touching  which  we  refer 
ourselves  to  the  draught  of  the  church  discipline  in  the  ensu- 
ing treatise."  This  treatise  or  platform  was  approved  in  sub- 
stance by  a  synod  which  assembled  in  Boston  in  1679  and  rec- 
ommended to  the  churches.  They  express  their  desire  "  that 
the  churches  may  continue  steadfast  in  the  order  ot  the  gospel 
according  to  what  is  therein  declared  from  the  word  of  God." 
This  platform  of  church  government  is  still,  in  substance,  ap- 
proved as  the  standing  rule  in  the  Congregational  churches. 
It  was  designed  to  promote  their  purity,  fellowship  and  liberty. 
This  church,  doubtless,  received  it  from  these  same  motives — 
that  as  they  had  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  they  might 
so  walk  in  him ;  be  no  more  children  tossed  to  and  fro,  and 
carried  about  by  every  wind  of  doctrine  ;  and  stand  fast  in  the 
liberty  wherewith  Christ  hath  made  us  free. 

Those  were  times  when  controversy  slumbered,  -when  Con- 


13 

gregational  ministers  in  this  country,  were  agreed  in  the  chief 
doctrines  of  the  gospel,  "  saw  eye  to  eye,"  had  little  false  Chris- 
tianity to  contend  against,  and  spent  their  time  and  strength  in 
promoting  the  truth. 

By  divine  permission  this  history  will  be  resumed  and  con- 
icluded  in  the  afternoon. 


SERMOW   3 


PSALM  125:  2. 

As  THE  MOUNTAINS  ARK  ROUND  ABOUT  JERUSALEM  SO  THE  LORD  IS 
ROUND  ABOUT  HIS  PEOPLE  FROM  HENCEFORTH,  EVEN  FOREVER. 

I  HAVE  thought  this  passage  particularly  applicable  to  the 
later  history  of  this  church,  and  the  friends  of  truth  in  this  town. 
*'  Had  not  the  Lord  been  on  our  side," — had  not  his  arms  been 
around  his  people,  "they  would  have  been  swallowed  up  quick, 
— the  proud  waters  would  have  gone  over  our  soil."  May  we 
ever  trust  in  him  who  is  round  about  his  people  forevermore. 

Dr.  Fobes'  ministry,  as  we  have  seen  was  prosperous.  It 
was  45  years;  in  which  time  136  persons  were  admitted  to  the 
communion  of  this  church,  and  304  infants  and  adults  were 
baptized. 

The  first  meeting-house  was  conveniently  situated  for  the 
first  inhabitants,  and  continued  as  the  place  of  worship  for 
more  than  42  years.  On  the  3d  of  November  1773,  this  house 
in  which  we  are  now  assembled,  began  to  be  used  for  public 
worship.  When  first  built,  it  had  no  bellfrey,  or  steeple,  and 
the  body  of  it  contained  square  pews,  after  the  ancient  fashion. 
It  was  erected  and  finished  by  Mr.  Israel  Washburn,  at  his  owu 
cost,  and  sold  to  those  who  purchased  pews  in  it ;  and  the  old 
meeting-house  which  stood  three-fourths  of  a  mile  south-west 
from  this,  was  given  to  him  by  the  town.  Much  opposition 
arose  to  the  plan  and  proposals  which  he  made  to  the  town  for 
erecting  this  house:  34  voted  for  accepting  them  and  27  against 
it.  Those  opposed  to  building  a  new  meeting  house,  living  most- 
ly in  the  southern  part  of  the  town,  undertook  to  repair  the  old 
one.  In  this  undertaking  about  one  third  of  the  church  took  nn 
active  part.  Upon  which  the  other  two  thirds,  living  mostly  in 
the  nothern  part   of  the  town,   entered  a  complaint  against 


15 

them  for  their  illegal  and  unchristian  conduct.  Neighboring^ 
ministers,  Rev.  Mr.  Toby  and  Rev.  M.  Conant  were  resorted  to 
for  counsel  and  advice.  These  ministers  met  the  church  and  after 
prayer  to  God  for  direction,  and  after  hearing  a  long  represen- 
tation of  existing  difficulties  on  each  side,  they  advised  the  breth- 
ren of  the  north  part  of  the  town,  to  pass  over  the  offence  which 
they  supposed  .they  had  received  from  the  brethren  of  the  south 
part,  who  had  been  concerned  in  repairing  the  old  meeting  house 
and  to  forgive  them,  and  accordingly  it  was  done.  At  length 
general  unanimity  and  harmony  were  restored,  by  considering^ 
doubtless,  that  the  general  good  is  the  object  to  be  pursued  by 
every  individual. 

The  land  on  which  this  house  stands  and  the  common  con- 
nected with  it,  was  purchased  or  obtained  of  Mr.  Amariah  Hall. 

Dr.  Fobes  describes  the  people  of  this  town,  forty  years  ago, 
as  being  generally  noted  for  industry,  virtue  and  patriotism. — 
*'The  inhabitants,  he  says,  especially  those  who  attend  public 
worship  here,  have  been  distinguished  for  their  zealous  attach- 
ment to  learning,  to  military  disipline  and  church  music.  The 
unanimity  and  order  of  their  public  decision  during  the  late  war, 
their  cautious,  but  spirited  exertions,  their  prompt  and  peacea- 
ble compliances  with  the  numerous  calls  of  government  in  the 
days  of  exigence  and  danger,  are  well  known : — and  perhaps 
ought  the  rather  to  be  remembered  as  their  patience  long  en- 
dured the  trial  of  cruel  opposition,  and  the  shocks  of  ridicule, 
from  the  tongues  and  pens  of  great  numbers  around  them. — 
Fired  at  the  name  of  insurgency,  and  hearing  that  a  conspiracy 
was  formed  to  prevent  the  sitting  of  the  October  Court  of  1766, 
the  troops  of  this  little  town  consisting  of  two  small  companies 
roused  unanimous,  and  at  the  call  of  their  leaders,  mustered  in 
arms,  marched  alone  to  Taunton,  entered  the  Court-house  as  a 
preocupant  guard  ;  there  lay  upon  their  arms  through  the  whole 
night  preceding  the  day  of  the  Court's  sitting;  and  in  open  de- 
fiance of  all  the  bloody  threats  af  an  unprincipled  mob,  in  con- 
stant expectation  of  hundreds  in  arms  ready  for  battle,  they 
stood  firm  but  alone,  until  the  next  day  about  noon,  when  by  a 
re-inforcement  of  troops  from  the  county  of  Plymouth  and  a 
number  gleaned  from  different  parts  of  the  country,  they  formed 
and  under  command  of  General  Cobb,  the  insurrection  was 
crushed,  the  Supreme  Court  sat,  and  government  was  triumph" 
ant.  But  from  the  whole  county  of  Bristol  not  another  whole 
company  appeared,  except  the  two  from  Raynham."* 

*  Collections  of  the  Historical  Society,  V0I  8—1793. 


16 

These  accounts,  given  by  one  perfectly  acquainted  with  their 
correctnes  show  us  the  character  of  the  times; — that  the  love 
of  freedom  of  order  and  justice,  which  warmed  the  breasts  of 
revolutionary  patriots,  was  not  easily  quenched.  Taking  sides 
with  religion  and  conscience,  it  held  on  its  way  ;  and  it  devolves 
on  us  in  our  turn  to  transmit  the  same  spirit  to  those  who  shall 
come  after  us.  Many  states  having  made  ajnoble  beginning  in 
executing  measures  to  obtain  civil  and  religious  freedom,  have 
through  a  want  of  prudence  or  wisdom  lost,  the  treasure,  just  as 
it  was  within  their  reach.  But  our  patriotic  fathers  had  wis- 
dom and  virtue,  which  taught  them  not  only  to  achieve,  but 
rightly  to  improve  a  victory  over  their  oppresssors.  They  were 
careful  not  to  destroy  the  precious  grain  in  gathering  it  in. 
What  avails  all  the  toil  of  acquiring  property  or  learning 
liberty,  if  we  have  no  discretion  in  using  them  1 

In  April,  1753,  Dr.  Watts  Psalms  and  Hymns  began  to  be 
used  by  this  church  and  Society  in  their  public  worship.  * 

It  is  stated  by  Dr.  Fobes  that,  in  1793  about  one  sixth  of  the 
inhabitant  of  this  town  were  Baptists  :  that  the  number  of  fami- 
lies was  near  two  hundred,  and  that  by  the  census,  the  town 
contained  about  a  thousand  souls.  The  Baptists  at  that  period 
were  frequently  opposed  in  withdrawing  their  support  from  the 
established  societies,  and  were  sometimes  compelled  by  law, 
though  unjustly,  in  my  view,  to  render  to  them  their  proportional 
support.  But  the  Rev.  Mr  Bachus,  in  his  history,  gives  an  account 
of  but  one  person  in  this  town  who  was  compelled  to  pay  a  tax 
against  her  will,  to  the  support  of  the  ministry.  In  1783  the 
town  passed  a  vote  not  to  distress  those  who,  on  the  ground  of 
their  being  Baptists,  had  declined  paying  their  ministerial  tax; — 
they  gave  this  reason  for  the  measure,  that  to  compel  them 
to  pay  it,  '^  would  endanger  that  peace  and  harmony  which  ever 
ought  to  subsist  in  a  town  society."  (F)  It  appears  that  religious 
freedom  was  here  at  an  early  period  uniformly  allowed  and  en- 
joyed. 

Seventy  years  ago,  repeated  instances  occured  of  persons  who 
withdrew  from  this  church  and  became  what  were  then  called 
"  separatists,"  but  most  of  them  after  a  few  year's  consideration, 
returned,  confessed  their  error,  and  were  restored. 

After  the  decease  of  Dr.  Fobes,  this  church  was  destitute  of 
a  pastor  about  seven  months,  till  Rev.  Stephen  Hull,  formerly 

*  At  first  they  were  used  but  once  a  day,  Mr.  Dunster's  being  used 
the  remamder  of  the  time.     In  1 764,  Dr.  Watt's  wero  used  exclusively. 


11 

of  Amesburj  but  now  of  Carlile,  was  installed  here  Sept  9j 
1812.  He  continued  minster  of  this  society  till  obout  the  first 
of  May  1823,  when  at  his  own  request,  he  was  dismised.  Dur- 
ing his  ministry  wliich  was  nearly  eleven  years  fifty  two  per- 
sons were  received  into  the  church.  There  was  in  this  socie- 
ty an  extraordinary  season  of  revival,  as  most  of  you  well  re- 
member, in  1820,  whicli  year  about  40,  mostly  middle, aged 
persons,  publicly  professed  their  faith  in  Christ,  gave  an  ac- 
count of  their  religious  experience  in  v/riting  in  this  house,  and 
were  received  by  the  church. 

My  ordination  took  place  October  2,  !  823.  From  that  time 
to  the  present,  seventy-seven  persons  have  been  received  to  the 
communion  of  this  church,  and,  perhaps  half  that  number  of 
infants  and  adults  have  received  baptism. 

The  Sabbath  School  v/as  instituted  in  this  society  in  June 
1823,  and  has  increased  from  50  to  130  scholars. 

At  the  time  of  my  settlement  you  are  aware,  there  had  been 
for  several  years  an  inclination  in  some  ofthis  church  and  soci- 
ety to  embrace  sentiments  different  from  those  in  which  this 
church  was  founded,  and  which  it  had  embraced  and  maintained 
for  more  than  three  fourths  of  a  century.  Opposition  soon  arose, 
which  in  April  1828  resulted  in  the  withdrawment  of  25  mem- 
bers from  the  church,  and  in  the  formation  of  the  new  church 
and  society  in  this  town. 
A  meeting  ofthis  society  had  been  called  on  the  20th  of  August 
1827,  to  see  if  the  society  will  request  their  pastor  to  exchange 
with  those  ministers  in  this  vicinity,  with  whom  he  has  declin- 
ed exchanges — and  after  mature  deliberation  it  was  voted  by 
about  two  thirds  of  the  members  present, — That  it  be  left  dis- 
cretionary with  the  pastor  of  this  society  to  exchange  with  such 
ministers  as  he  may  think  proper. 

That  God  has  shown  his  approval,  my  brethren,  of  your  going 
forward  as  you  have  gone  in  the  belief  and  support  of  the  doc- 
trines on  which  this  church  was  founded,  is  fully  evident  to  my 
mind,  from  his  merciful  visitations  to  us  the  past  season.  You 
have  experienced  the  days  of  the  right  hand  of  the  Most  High. 
In  the  course  of  five  months  past  forty  four  have  embraced  the 
covenant  of  God,  and  united  in  your  communion  ;  and  about  a 
dozen  more  have  in  the  same  time  expressed  a  hope  in  the  all- 
sufficient  Saviour.  The  marked  and  solemn  attention  given  to 
the  truths  when  preached;  the  diligence  shown  in  attending  pub- 
lic worship;  the  anxiousness  expressed  by  members  respecting 
the  eternal  interest  of  their  souls  ;  the  fervent  charity,  perfect 
union,  and  increased  spirit  of  prayer,  which  have  been  appar- 


18 


ent  among  the  members  of  the  church;  ail  evince  the  divine 
work  of  Gwd's  spirit. 

The  number  of  members  in  this  church  now  is  120, — a  great- 
er number  than  it  ever  contained  at  any  one  time  before.  Four- 
teen persons  in  all  have  sustained  the  office  of  deacon  in  this 
church.  The  first  were  John  Staples  and  Samuel  Leonard, 
who  were  among  the  original  members  of  the  church.  Jona- 
than Shaw,  was  chosen  deacon  in  1741.  Jonathan  Shaw  a  son 
©f  the  former,  was  chosen  in  1780.  Jonathan  Hall  and  Edmund 
Williams  in  1750.  Elijah  Leonard  in  1761.  Israel  Wash- 
burn,in .     Abiel  Williams,  and  Oliver  Washburn  in  1797. 

Lloyd  Shaw  in  1819.  Horatio  Leonard  in  1824,  and  Eliab 
B.  Dean  and  Elijah  Gushee,  jr.  the  present  deacons,  in  1828.^ 
Edmund  Williams  withdrew  from  the  church,  and  united  with 
the  Baptists. 

Prom  the  history  which  has  now  passed  in  review,  I  re- 
mark, in  the  first  place. 

1.  That  christian  dicipline  appears  to  have  been  maintained 
in  this  church,  from  its  commencement.  Jt  was  evidently  the 
object  of  its  early  members  to  live  in  the  observance  of  all  the 
ordinances  and  commands  of  Christ.  They  certainly  possessed 
great  fortitude  and  moral  courage  in  declaring  and  supporting 
what  they  believed  to  be  the  doctrines  .of  the  gospel.  They 
were  fearless  in  the  discharge  of  their  duty.  Possessing  the 
general  character  of  the  age,  they  did  not  for  slight  reasons,  as 
many  do  now,  omit  to  assemble  on  the  Sabbath  where  God's 
name  is  recorded.  Who,  in  coming  to  the  close  of  life,  and  in 
going  to  give  an  account  of  all  his  time, 'ever  regretted  that  he 
had  spent  a  part  of  one  day  in  seven,  in  attending  at  the  house 
of  God,  "to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  and  inquire  in  his 
temple?"  On  the  other  hand,  what  confidence  can  they  have 
of  God's  mercy  who  uniformly  slight  this  privilege  ?  What 
hope  can  they  have  of  enjoying,  or  knowing  how  to  engage  in 
his  worship,  the  moment  they  die,  if  all  their  life  time,  they 
have  never  loved,  or  practised  it  ? 

One  striking  feature  in  the  former  character  of  this  church,  is 
the  particular  watch  and  care  which  they  exercised  over  thei^ 
children.  On  the  records  appears,  in  substance,  the  following 
notice:  Aug.  2,  1749,  at  a  public  meeting  of  the  church,  it  was 
proposed  by  the  pastor,  that  since  meetings  for  singing  and 
dancing  have  become  so  common  among  the  youth  in  this  place, 
and  there  were  some  of  the  church  concerned  in  them,  wheth- 
er it  was  not  the  duty  of  this  church  to  use  their  influence  as  far 
as  it  would  extend,  for  the  suppression. of  them;  and  the  church 
were  of  the  mind  that  it  was  their  duty.    Forty  years   after 


I  19 

wards  is  the  following  record :  The  church  met  and  after'prayer 
to  God  and  mature  deliberation,  they  unanimously  agreed,  that 
it  was  the  duty  of  churches  to  exercise  and  extend  a  particular 
care  and  watch  over  all  baptised  persons  ; — and  resolved,  that 
we  of  this  church  in  particular,  will  in  future  consider  this  to  be 
our  duty,  in  regard  to  all  baptised  members. 
^  It  seems  to  have  been  impressed  on  their  minds,  as  it  ever 
should  be  on  the  churches,  that  they  as  welk  as  the  pastor, 
ought  to  be  well  acquainted  with  the  moral  character  and  senti- 
ments of  every  one  in  their  particular  communion  ;  and  to  edu- 
cate their  children  for  Christ  and  his  church.  They  aid  more 
than  is  usually  done  now  in  restraining  them  from  vicious  com- 
pany, and  in  exhibiting  to  them  the  important  and  salutary  ex- 
ample of  family  worship.  They  brought  them  often  and  at  an 
early  age  to  the  sanctuary.  As  habits  are  lasting,  when  form- 
ed, if  we  would  have  our  chidren  embrace  the  truth,  and  love 
the  sabbath  and  the  public  worship  of  God,  we  must  early  bring 
our  children  within  their  influence. 

2.  We  may  see  what  has  been  the  practice  of  this  church  ia 
the  admission  of  members.  The  indispensible  qualification 
for  admission  to  the  Lord's  table,  has  been  ^ftredible  profession 
of  experimental  piety.  Candidates  in  being  received  into  this 
church,  as  far  as  my  practice  has  extended,  acknowledge  their 
belief  in  the  scriptures,  as  given  by  inspiration  of  God  ; — that 
there  is  one  God  existing  in  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  to 
whom  they  consecrate  themselves; — ^that  their  hearts  before  be- 
ing sanctified  by  the  spirit  of  God  were  of  choice  destitute  of 
holiness; — that  they  hope  for  salvation  through  Christ's  atone- 
ment, engage  to  submit  to  the  discipline  of  this  church,  and  to 
live  a  holy  andvirtuQUS  life  in  view  of  the  retributions  of  eter- 
nity. 

Persons  desirous  of  the  fellowship  of  this  church,  have  usually 
been  conversed  with  repeatedly  by  the  pastor,  and  when  he  has 
obtained  satisfaction  of  their  qualification,  he  has  propounded 
them  to  the  church,  usually  a  fortnight,  before  their  admission. 
The  candidates  have  generally  given  in,  either  in  writing  or 
verbally,  an  account  of  their  religious  experience  and  hope  in 
Christ.  It  was  formerly  the  case,  and  has,  as  you  are  aware, 
been  practised  more  of  late,  to  have  the  written  relation  read 
in  public.  By  this  course,  it  has  been  found  that  sufficient  op- 
portunity has  been  given  for  all  to  become  acquainted  with  the 
moral  and  religious  character  of  the  candidate. 

3.  It  is  manifest  that  the  reUgious  doctrines  enri3raced  in  this 
church  now,  are  substantially  the  same  which  it  embraced  a  hun- 
dred years  ago.     But  we  have  been  represented  as  exclusion- 


so 

ists,  and  blamed  for  discontinuing  ministerial  exehanges  with 
some  of  the  neighboring  pastors.  But  why  should  we  be  blamed 
for  practicing  according  to  our  conscientious  belief,  and  refusing 
to  renounce  what  we  conceive  to  be  the  true  doctrines  of  the 
gospel,  and  which  the  great  majori:y  of  this  church  have  ever 
received  ?  Why  should  we  not  be  left  to  the  same  liberty  which 
we  grant  to  others  ?  4^ 

We  deeply  regret  tlmt  we  were  obliged  to  discontinue  minis* 
terial  exehanges  with  some  of  the  neighboring  pastors.  But 
the  cau«5e  of  this  discontinuance  was  in  themselves.  They  had 
inbibed  fnd  are  teaching  a  system  of  doctrines  which  neither 
we  nor  our  fathers  could  find  in  the  scriptures.  As  they  have 
essentially  departed  from  our  conscientious  behef,  why  should 
we  be  blamed  for  not  seeing  our  way  clear  to  follow  them.  We 
have  not  altered  from  our  former  belief,  but  it  is  they  who  have 
dissented  from  us.  But  we  condemn  them  not.  You  have  nev- 
er heard  from  me  in  this  sacred  place  or  any  other,  the  language 
of  denunciation.  |*for,  I  trust,  will  you  ever  hear  from  me  such 
language. 

^rhe  step  therefore  which  your  pastor  deliberately,  from  con- 
scientious motives,  and  with  the  approbation  of  more  than  two 
thirds  of  this  church  and  society,  adopted  in  1826,  of  dis- 
continuing the  exchanges  which  I  have  mentioned,  was  adopt- 
ed as  an  important  duty.  Without  adopting  this  step  we  fully 
believed  that  this  church  would  have  been  drawn  away  from 
"the  good  old  paths"  in  which  our  fathers  walked;  that  it  would 
gradually  and  inevitably  have  fallen  into  a  state  of  skepticism 
and  unbelief,  as  to  what  we  consider  the  leading  truths  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  that  we  should  have  occasioned  in  a  great  measure 
the  withdrawment  of  the  presence  of  God  and  the  spirit  of  revi- 
vals. 

I  do  not  mean  to  imply  that  we  or  our  denomination  alone, 
have  the  truth,  or  are  infallably  right.  It  is  suitable  that  we 
should  hear  the  admonition,  "  Remember  therefore  how  thou 
hast  received  and  heard,  and  hold  fast ;"  and  this  also,  *'  Let 
him  that  standeth  take  heed  lest  he  fall." 

4.  I  may  suggest  from  this  history,  what  is  the  duty  of  church- 
es in  the  call  and  settlement  of  their  ministers.  It  is  their  right, 
from  the  authority  of  the  scriptures,  and  according  to  the  gen- 
eral usage  in  New  England,  to  choose  their  own  pastor.  It  is 
the  duty  of  every  church  in  sslecting  a  pastor,  to  require  of  him 
a  fair  statement  of  his  doctrinal  belief.  They  should  ascertain 
whether  he  p(tssesses  the  spirit  of  Christ,  and  what  are  his  views 
of  religion  which  he  designs  to  present  in  his  preaching.  By 
requiring  him  to  be  thus  explicit,  they  may  avoid  much  disap- 


21 

pointment,  and  self  reproach  ;  and  derive  far  greater  profii 
from  his  ministry.  He,  if  possessed  of  the  spirit  of  the  gospel, 
\vill  be  ready  to  give  a  reason  of  his  faith  as  well  as  of  his 
hope,  in  christian  meekness  to  any  one  who  may  desire  it;  and 
tfi«  -council  who  ordains  Iiim,  in  being  faithful  to  their  trust, 
Will  not  hasten  to  lay  hands  on  him  before  satisfying  themselves 
on  these  points. 

Be  faithful,  beloved  brethren,  in  these  things  whenever  di- 
vine Providence  shall  call  yoa  to  select  one  who  shall  minister 
10  you  in  word  and  in  doctrine.  It  is  a  duty  which  you  owe 
to  your  divine  Master  who  has  called  you  to  act  in  his  name. 
It  is  a  duty  which  you  owe  to  yourselves,  for  can  it  ever  be  a 
matter  of  indifference  whether  truth  or  error  is  preached  to 
you?  If  you  would  employ  able  and  faithful  men  to  defend 
you-r  temporal  interests  when  they  are  in  danger,  much  more 
should  you  be  anxious  not  to  entrust  the  guidance  of  your  souls 
to  men  who  Lave  not  the  truth.  To  select  as  your  teachers 
holy  men  who  declare  the  truth,  is  a  duty  which  you  owe  also 
to  your  children,  for  they  will  be  influenced  by  your  example 
in  spiritual  as  well  as  in  temporal  things. 

5.  How  happy  is  a  diurch  who  are  united  in  the  one  Lord  and 
one  faith;  among  whom  there  are  no  divisions — no  root  of  bit- 
terness, but  are  at  peace,  and  have  fej^vent  charity  among  them- 
selves. Such  at  present  appears  to  be  the  state  of  this  church. 
Let  us  remember  the  new  commandment  of  Christ  to  love  one 
another;  and  let  this  brotherly  love  continue.  By  trampling  on 
this  command  chiuches  have  sometimes  become  infected  with 
pride,  envy  and  jealousy,  divided  into  parties,  and  resorted  to 
numerous  councils  for  the  healing  of  their  difficulties.  But  they 
are  never  healed  till  a  spirit  of  mutual  forgiveness  and  broth- 
erly love,  is  revived.  Let  the  most  excellent  and  divine  direc- 
tion of  Christ,  Matt.  18:  15,  be  observed  respecting  an  offend- 
ing brether,  and  difficulties  would  rarely  exist  in  any  church. 

6.  In  view  of  the  kind  dealings  of  God  with  this  church  and 
people  during  the  century  now  closed,  we  should  feel  special 
cause  for  gratitude.  He  hath  wrought  great  things  for  us.  But 
while  we  are  congratulating  ourselves  on  our  high  advantages, 
let  us  consider  whether  we  are  uniformly  acting  as  becomes  the 
descendants  of  those  holy  men  who  once  sojourned  in  this  place, 
walked  the  streets  which  we  walk,  worshipped  where  we  wor- 
ship, but  have  long  since  enteredinto  their  rest  ?  If  we  do  not 
follow  up  with  zeal  the  holy  work  which  they  nobly  begun,  and 
left  for  us  to  pursue,  how  shall  we  be  prepared  to  meet  them 
at  th  e  final  day  1 — how  shall  we  be  worthy  to  share  in  their 
eter  eal  rewards  ?     They  have  toiled,  and  we  have  entered  into 


2^, 

their  labors.  They  have  left  us  as  their  best  legacy,  the  exam- 
ple of  their  integrity,  and  patience,  and  fortitude.  Their 
graves  are  among  us,  but  their  praise  in  the  churches,  is  their 
memorial  that  shall  never  die. 

How  solemn  a  thing  to  live  where  God  has  thus  long  been 
carrying  forward  such  a  work  of  grace  !  How  alarming  to  live 
impenitent  where  such  displays  of  truth  and  mercy  have  been 
making,  evinces  no  ordinary  measure  of  guilt.  And  he  who 
goes  impenitent  and  unsanctified  to  eternity  from  this  place, 
where  Jesus  Christ  has  been  set  forth  in  all  h»s  divine  excel- 
lence— where  such  numbers  have  felt  his  love  and  witnessed 
for  him,  must  in  the  retrospect  be  filled  with  all  the  bitterness 
of  remorse.  He  will  doubtless  forever  bemoan  the  day  of  his 
birth  and  say,  *'Let  that  day  be  darkness  ;  let  not  God  regard 
it  from  above,  let  a  cloud  dwell  upon  it,  and  the  darkness  of 
night  terrify  it.'*  O  ye  neglectors  of  the  Gospel,  who  now  live 
where  you  are  invited  to  enter  Christ's  kingdom,  no  longer  re- 
fuse the  invitation. 

Entreat,  brethren  of  this  church  and  congregation,  that  those 
doctrines  and  that  ministry  which  five  successive  generations, 
without  much  interruption,  have  operated  here  in  preparing 
sinners  for  heaven,  may  continue  to  operate  ; — that  this  place 
which  is  none  other  than  the  house  of  God  and  the  gate  of  heav- 
en, and  has  proved  so  to  multitudes,  may  yet  prove  to  be  such 
to  multitudes  more. 

Surely  we  may  take  encouragement  from  the  deliverances 
which  God  has  wrought  for  us.  He  has  preserved  this  church 
as  a  body  in  the  enjoyment  of  its  primitive  doctrines  and  order, 
while  some  other  churches  around  us  have  fallen  from  the  faith 
of  their  fathers.  Here  the  divine  Spirit  which  Christ  promised 
as  the  Comforter,  hath  descended  from  time  to  time,  and  of  late 
more  copiously  than  lormerly.  May  we  not  beiieve  that  this 
Spirit  shall  continue  to  descend  as  generations  shall  successively 
arise;  that  when  this  house  shall  have  gone  to  decay,  there  shall 
be  those  here  who  shall  rebuild  the  waste  places.  What  would 
have  become  of  this  church,  in  times  past,  and  what  will  be- 
come of  it  in  future,  without  the  visitations  of  God's  Spirit? — 
*'Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they  labor  in  vain  who  build 
it."  To  him,  then,  should  we  look  for  the  support  of  tibe  inter- 
ests of  his  kingdom  among  us. 

Time,  in  its  rapid  flight,  is  hurrying  us  away.  Not  one  of 
this  congregation  will  be  living  when  another  centur  7  shall 
have  expired.  O  how  soon  will  our  work  on  earth  be  fin  ished, 
and  our  eternal  destiny  fixed.  What  is  that  destiny  for  ^vhich 
we  are  preparing,  and  for  what  object  are  we  living? 


23 

Let  me  charge  you,  my  beloved  friends,^  as  I  charge  myself, 
to  be  faithful  in  the  awfully  responsible  Avork  entrusted  to  us, 
for  we  are  set  for  the  defence  of  the  gospel.  Let  us  see  that 
Me  handle  it  not  deceitfully  or  carelessly.  Be  clothed  with  hu- 
mility. Take  the  Saviour  as  your  invariable  pattern.  Ask 
how  he  would  have  spoken  and  felt  and  acted  in  your  circum- 
stances, and  when  you  see  the  course  which  he  would  have  pur- 
sued, make  that  course  your  own. 


Note  A.  Page  3. 

What  is  meant  by  Old  and  New  Style  requires  some  explanation. 
By  the  Old  Sw^le,  the  year  began  the  25th  of  March,  which  was  hence 
called  the  first  month,  April  the  second,  and  so  on.  By  the  New 
Style,  the  year  is  made  to  begin  the  first  of  Januaiy.  It  also  coiTects 
the  mode  of  reckoning  which  formerly  made  the  year  too  long  by 
11  min.  and  14  1-2  sec.  which  amounted,  in  130  years,  to  a  whole 
day.  In  1582,  when  the  New  Style  was  introduced  by  Pope  Gregory 
XIII,  the  time  as  computed  had  advanced  ten  days  beyond  the  true 
time.  The  New  Style  was  not  adopted  in  England  or  this  country, 
till  1752,  when  the  difference  between  the  Old  and  New  Style  had  in- 
creased to  about  eleven  days.  All  civilized  nations  use  the  New 
Style  except  the  Russians.  The  rule  for  reducing  Old  Style  to  New, 
is  this  :  If  the  date  according  to  the  Old  Style,  is  in  the  present  century, 
carry  it  forward  twelve  days;  if  in  the  last  or  eighteenth  century,  carry 
it  forward  eleven  days,  if  in  the  century  before,  ten  days,  Stc. 
Note  B.  Pape  5. 

October  21,  1652,  the  following  record  was  entered  on  the  town 
books  of  Taunton: — "  It  was  agreed  and  granted  by  the  town  to  the 
said  Henry  Leonard  and  James  Leonard  his  brother,  and  Ralph  Rus- 
sel,  free  consent  to-Come  hither,  and  join  with  certain  of  our  inhabi- 
tants to  set  up  abloomery  work  on  the  Two  Mile  River." — "  It  was 
agreed  and  granted  by  a  free  vote  of  the  town,  that  such  particular  in- 
habitants as  shall  concur  together  with  the  said  persons  in  their  design, 
shall  have  free  liberty  from  the  town  so  to  do,  to  build  and  set  up  this 
work,  and  that  they  shall  have  the  woods  on  the  other  side  of  the  Two 
Mile  River  wheresoever  it  is  common  on  that  side  of  the  river,  to  cut 
for  their  cord-wood,  to  make  coals,  and  also  to  dig  and  take  mine  or 
ore,  at  Two  Mile  Meadow,  or  in  any  of  the  commons  appertaining  to 
the  town  where  it  is  not  now  in  propriety." 

According  to  this  vote  and  the  encouragement  received,  the  persons 
above  mentioned  established  the  "  bloomery,"  and  the  manufacture  of 
iron  from  the  native  ore  was  extensively  carried  on.  At  that  time  beds 
of  iron  ore  were  far  more  abundant  in  this  town  than  at  present.  The 
decrease  is  owing  probably  to  the  levelling  of  the  forests  and  draining 
the  meadow^s.  These  iron  works,  then  called  a  "bloomery,"  have 
been  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  a  rolling  mill  and  anchor  shop.  They 
were  owned  by  the  descendants  of  James  Leonard,  more  than  a  hun- 
dred years.  Henry  Leonard  tempted  by  the  advantages  j»articularly 
of  ore  wliich  New  Jersey  afforded,  lemoved  there  and  erected  the 
first  iron  works  in  that  province. 

Note  C.  Page  6. 

Philip's  having  given  orders  that  Taunton  and  Bridgewater  should 
be  spared  till  all  the  other  towns  in  the  colony  were  destroyed,  and  thus 
saving  many  precious  lives,  shows  that,  though  a  savage,  there  was  in 
his  heart  a  place  for  kindness  and  gratitude.  His  summer  residence 
in  Raynham  was  the  rising  gi'ounds  east  of  the  Fowling  Pond.  While 
here,  he  had  frequent  intercourse  with  the  Leonai'd's,  who  repaired 
his  guns,  supplied  him  with  beef,  iron,  and  with  such  tools  as  are  most 
prized  by  savages.     This  induced  him  to  charge  his  Indians  never  to 


24 

Injure  a  Leonard. — 'A  vei*y  noticeable  fact  in  savage  history,  and  shows 
lis  how  great  a  reward  we  may  often  receive  by  a  few  humane  and 
kind  attentions  which  cost  us  nothing. 

Note  D.  Page  6. 
The  inhabitants  of  Taunton,  Bridgewater  and  Rehoboth,  were 
strongly  urged  to  forsake  their  dwellings  and  to  remore  to  Barnstable, 
Sandwich,  ITarmouth  and  Eastham,  on  the  sea-side,  where  they  might 
be  in  greater  security,  from  the  dangers  of  this  direful  war.  But  they 
declined  accepting  the  friendly  invitation,  preferred  remaining  at  their 
own  dwellings,  and  courageously  meeting  all  the  dangers  which  threat- 
ened. The  town  of  Taunton,  by  their  committee,  replied  to  the  invi- 
tation thus:  "We  bless  God  that  he  hath  given  us  much  room  in 
your  hearts,  that  you  so  freely  tender  to  us  a  part  with  you  in  j^our 
houses,  fields  and  provisions,  at  such  a  time  when  the  Lord  is  threat- 
ening us  with  the  bereavement  of  our  own.  It  much  conflforteth  us  in 
this  day  of  darkness  and  distress — we  shall  want  no  succour  you  are 
able  to  afford  us.  We,  therefore,  return  a^ou  all  serious  thanks,  for 
your  sincere  and  abundant  love,  beseeching  the  Lord  to  continue  and 
increase  your  peace  and  ability  and  promptness  to  relieve  distress  in 
this  evil  day.  Nevertheless  upon  our  serious  and  mature  deliberation 
upon,  and  consideration  of  your  great  offer,  we  cannot  at  present  com- 
ply with  a  motion  to  remove,  and  quit  our  places,  and  leave  our  habi- 
tations to  be  a  desolation,  and  that  because  we  fear,  we  should  in  so 
doing  be  wanting  to  the  name  of  God,  and  the  interest  of  Christ  in  this 
place,  and  betray  much  diffidence  and  cowardice,  and  give  the  adver- 
sary occasion  to  triumph  over  us  to  the  reproach  of  that  great  and  fear- 
ful name  of  God  which  is  called  upon  us."  This  answer  was  signed 
among  others,  by  Richard  Williams  and  Walter  Dean,  from  w-horn- 
the  numerous  families  of  these  names  in  this  region,  have  doubtless 
descended. 

Note  E.  Page  10. 

The  churches  and  pastors  invited  to  assist  in  his  ordination,  were 
the  six  following:  The  church  in  West  Bridgev^ater,  Rev.  Mr.  Per- 
kins pastor;  the  church  in  Bridgewater,  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw;  1st  church 
in  Middleborough,  Rev.  Mr.  Conant;  church  in  Berkley,  Rev.  Mr. 
Toby;  church  in  North  Middleborough,  Rev.  Mr.  Reed;  and  the  3d 
church  in  Middleborough,  Rev.  Mr.  Turner  pastor.  The  committee 
chosen  by  the  church  to  write,  sign  and  send  letters  missive  to  said 
churches,  were,  Dea.  Jonathan  Ilall,  Mr.  Israel  Washburn  and  Mr. 
Joseph  Shaw. 

Note  F.  Paj^e  16. 

The  method  long  pursued  of  supporting  the  Congregational  minis- 
try by  taxation,  has  occasioned  manj'^  difficulties,  and  greatly  retarded 
the  spread  of  pure  Christianity.  This  law  has  been  modified  and  evad- 
ed till  it  has.  grown  obsolete,  and  hence  ought  to  be  repealed.  It  is 
sufficient  for  the  Legislature  to  protect  religion  without  prescribing^ 
the  measures  by  Avhich  it  shall  be  supported.  All  attempts  to  enforce 
the  law  for  the  ministerial  tax  when  it  has  been  resisted,  have  been 
exceedingly  injurious  to  the  very  object  for  which  the  law  was  profess- 
edly made. 

It  has  been  found  by  experiment,  that  the  churches  need  no 
such  dependence  on  the  civil  ])ower.  Religion  will  doubtless  hold  on 
its  way  by  the  virtue  and  faithfulness  of  its  professors,  the  purity  of 
its  truths,  its  own  divine  efficacy,  and  the  blessings  of  its  Author.  The 
third  article  in  our  Bill  of  Ptights,  it  is  hoped,  will  soon  be  laid  aside. 
Then  our  societies  of  all  denominations  will  be  left  to  support  their  re- 
spective preaching  and  worship  in  their  own  way,  and  will  be  vol- 
untary associations.  All  would  be  protected  in  the  exercise  of  their 
corporate  powers  and  rights,  and  in  the  forms  and  usages  of  the  several 
denominations  with  which  they  are  connected.  No  person  would  be 
compelled  to  belong  to  any  religious  society  against  his  own  consent. 
"My  kingdom,   saith  Christ,  is  not  of  this  world." 


GENERAL  LIBRARY  -  U.C.  BERKELEY 


BODOBinm 


^/dt^^gsa 


